Press Releases, 3/18/2010

Minister Väyrynen encourages entry to Nigerian markets

Press Release 85/2010
17 March 2010

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen encourages Finnish companies to introduce their products and services on Nigerian markets.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is rich in natural resources. We can offer world-class high technology suitable for demanding conditions and solutions, among others, for energy economy, the mining industry, waste management and primary health care. Finnish companies have sound know-how, for instance, in raising energy efficiency, producing renewable energy and protecting the environment,” the minister stated after having met with the country’s officials and business representatives in Nigeria.

According to Väyrynen, Finnish companies have not yet fully realised the opportunities available on Nigerian markets. Perhaps the country’s reputation has also kept interest at a relatively slight level.

“Nigeria is appreciably better than its reputation. The country is willing to cooperate and is interested in Finnish know-how. Nigeria is also a gateway to many other Western African countries. Africa is an emerging continent, and it is important for Finns to be active there on time,” Väyrynen stressed.

The regional dimension became particularly apparent during the seminar organised with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On March 14–17 Minister Väyrynen made an export promotion trip to Nigeria lasting just over three days, accompanied by a business delegation of more than 20 people. During the trip, Minister Väyrynen met in Abuja, the capital, with the Acting President of Nigeria, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and a good number of other ministers central to cooperation with businesses. In Lagos, the economic centre of Nigeria, the Minister Väyrynen’s agenda included, among others, a meeting with the Lagos State Governor and the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce.
Additional information: Helena Airaksinen, Head of the Unit for Eastern and Western Africa, mobile tel. +358 40 829 3412, and Päivi Nevala, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, mobile tel. +358 40 753 4375